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resolved within two weeks,” he said, cautioning that the crisis would have lasting repercussions.

The foreign minister said the erosion of trust and confidence in the global system remains a major concern.

“If we stay strong on our home front, it will be much easier for us to overcome the storms coming from outside,” he said.

He noted that some analysts believe the current crisis could surpass the impact of the oil shocks of the 1970s. “So, if the effects of the current crisis are going to be larger than the shocks of the 1970s, we can imagine the type of risks we are facing,” he said.

Dr Khalilur also highlighted growing challenges to multilateralism, pointing to increasing unilateral actions within global frameworks.

“They are no longer helping us effectively in dealing with these issues. So, we face a significant challenge... This is a time for collective action because individual countries will not be able to meet these challenges on their own,” he urged.

Referring to the Indian Ocean region, he said it is undergoing a turbulent phase, with severe energy challenges threatening economies and societies.

“In these overwhelming times, our blue waters must unite, sustain, and inspire us far more than before,” he added.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, among others, also addressed the conference hosted by the India Foundation in association with the Government of Mauritius and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.